12 days of Christmas fun for kids

Schools break up this week, so if you’re stuck for ways to keep the kids entertained over the holidays, try these ideas for 12 days of Christmas fun.

1. Rock around the Christmas tree

Put on Christmas songs and decorate your home together. Dig out decorations, and if you haven’t already, put up your tree and make the house sparkle for Christmas. We’re spending more time than ever at home so it’s worth making an extra effort this year.

2. Paper crafts

There are so many ways to get creative, like paper snowflakes, paper chains, paper Christmas trees… You can find tutorials online or just let the kids make it up as they go along.

3. Christmas baking

Lots of fun for chefs big and small, with (hopefully) delicious results. Keep it simple with these easy biscuits or go all out and build your own gingerbread house.

4. Write letters to Father Christmas

Break out the best handwriting for this time-honoured tradition.

5. Make your own baubles

You can use salt dough to make Christmas-themed shapes, which kids can then decorate and hang on the tree. Lots of fun and you can add to your collection every year.

6. Make Christmas cards

A handmade card is a lovely gift to receive, especially if you won’t be able to see everyone face to face this year.

7. Make your own crackers

Surprisingly easy! You can buy a kit or use household items with this online tutorial. 

8. All wrapped up

Get Santa’s little helpers to join you in wrapping presents. Making potato printed wrapping paper is a fun activity for younger children, or you can reuse old Christmas cards to make gift tags.

9. Nature walk

Head out to your local green space so kids can burn off some energy running around in the fresh air. While you’re there, see if you can find holly or other winter greenery to bring home and decorate the house with.

10. Santa tracker

On Christmas Eve, follow his sleigh across the globe with this online Santa tracker.

11. Watch a Christmas film

Snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and plenty of blankets. Family favourites include films like The Polar Express, The Snowman, A Muppets’ Christmas Carol, and Home Alone.

12. Christmas colouring

If you have a printer, you can print off free festive colouring pages. Check out Crayola and SuperColouring – search Christmas for thousands of options. Also have a look for printable seasonal activities on the official sites of whatever your little one is into, whether Disney, Puffin Books or Paw Patrol.

However you’re spending it, we wish you and your family a happy Christmas.